Guided bike ride on rail trail

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Compiled by Fred James

Pennsylvania State Parks naturalist Stephanie Strub will lead a 17-mile guided bike ride, Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., along the gently-sloped rail trail that follows the Lehigh Gorge. Riders will take in the natural sights, watch the whitewater rafters in the river below and learn bits of local history at points of interest along the way.

Beginning at the White Haven trailhead, where participants can rent cycling equipment for the special low price of $10 per bicycle, the ride continue to Rockport access area, where participants will stop for lunch before heading back to White Haven. There is a participation fee of $5 per person for this program, which payable at the event.

Riders must be in good physical condition and are to register in advance, as the ride will be cancelled if there is a lack of apparent interest. To register or receive more information about the ride, contact Stephanie Strub at sstrub@state.pa.us or 215-453-5015.

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According to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission waterways conservation officer Doug Daniels, harvest seasons, sizes and creel limits have been removed during a drawdown by the agency now underway at Upper Owl Creek Reservoir, Tamaqua. This drawdown, which is expected to be completed by July, is being done to make repairs.

Fish species are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, catfish, sunfish and several species of baitfish. There is ample shoreline fishing available, and anglers are encouraged to take as many fish as they can use, or relocate them if they wish. Relocating fish can be done in private ponds with the permission of the owners, and the PFBC Area Fisheries Manager has approved pickerel and bass longer than 15 inches may be stocked in Tuscarora Lake . Smaller bass and pickerel may also be stocked in the Little Schuylkill River downstream of Drehersville and the Schuylkill River at Landingville.

Owl Creek Reservoir is located south of Tamaqua on Route 309 along Owl Creek Road , and electric motors may be used on the lake, which has a temporary boat ramp for launching. Parking at the reservoir is limited to disabled persons, with all other parking in the lot along Owl Creek Road.

In conjunction with the Spring Splash, a series of firearms seminars for men, women and children will be held both days, and instructors and speakers include Berks County sherriff Eric Weaknecht and the staff of Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays. Women visitors can enter a chance to win a free trip to "NRA's Women's Wilderness Escape" in Raton, N.M. Included in the eight-day vacation are all fees and travel expenses.

For information about the Keystone Dock Dogs Spring Splash Event, firearms weekend and future events at Cabela's, visit the website at www.cabelas.com/Hamburg or call the store at 610-929-7000.

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The theme of the 10th Annual Bear Creek Festival is watershed awareness and will take place Sunday, May 15, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Summit Station. This free event that is a family oriented watershed celebration which offers visitors numerous educational activities related to our environment.

Visitors will be able to build their own bluebird house with Home Depot, paint their own flower pot and take part in Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited's annual fishing derby. There will be a demonstration by DEKKA-HAUS German Shepherds and wildlife seminars by Red Creek Wildlife Center .

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Bears Head Archery, Delano , located one mile off Exit 134, Interstate 81, has its 3-D course open daily to the public from dawn to dusk through Saturday, Oct. 15. Donations are accepted, and for information, contact Frank Blazusky at 570-467-0331 or docblazer@verizon.net.

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Veteran outdoors video producer Ron Koch is the guest of Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association member Doyle Dietz on "Experience The Outdoors," Sunday, from 7-7:30 a.m. on 1410-AM, WLSH, from 9:30-10 a.m., on WMGH, 105.5-FM and on the Web at www.wmgh.com by clicking the "Experience The Outdoors" link.

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Schuylkill County Parks and Recreation Department supervisor Bob Evanchalk will lead a photo safari, Tuesday, May 10, beginning at 6 p.m., at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park , Pine Grove. After leading participants to some of the best areas in the park for photos, the group will later review the images at the clubhouse. Participants will need a download cable to fit their digital camera, and preregistration is requested by calling 570-527-2505.

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A trap shoot will be held, Thursday, May 12, beginning at 6 p.m., at Orwigsburg Gun Club, Gun Club Road , off Route 443 East, Orwigsburg. For information, e-mail jafone@comcast.net.

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Schuylkill County Youth Field Day, for ages 10-15, will be held Saturday, May 21, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Friedensburg Fish and Game Club, Friedensburg. For information and pre-registration, contact "Porcupine Pat" McKinney at porcupinepat@yahoo.com or 570-622-4124, ext. 113.